After multiple successful years, Hyundai is going back to Pikes Peak to try and set new records during the Race to the Clouds. Not only is it making a comeback but it’s taking at least three major stellar race car drivers with it. Here’s a breakdown of what to look out for during the 102nd annual running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
Hyundai first raced at Pikes Peak back in 1992 at the hands of Rod Millen. He piloted an Scoupe up the mountain with a finishing time of 13:21:17. It was quick enough to win the 2-wheel drive Showroom Stock division. Since then, the brand has competed 18 more times but hasn’t been back since 2018.
The last major significant result it had was in 2013 when it scored second place in the Unlimited division with a PM580T and a time of just 9:02:192. Now, it’s hoping to best that success in 2024 with four cars and we know three of the drivers. The first, Paul Dallenbach, was the overall winner in 1993. Dallenbach is a legend in Colorado Springs, where Pikes Peak is located.
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In addition, Hyundai is bringing Robin Shute, another driver who is very familiar with the course as his four victories there assert. Hyundai Motorsport’s Spanish WRC driver Daniel Sordo Castillo will drive a third car for the Korean automaker at Pikes Peak. Finally, the fourth driver will be announced at a later date, says Hyundai. The quartet might be experienced but it’ll have its work cut out for it regardless of talent level.
“Pikes Peak is one of the unique and historical challenges still left in motorsports,” said Randy Parker, CEO of Hyundai Motor America. “It has stood the test of time because the mountain never relents. The weather makes getting a clean run extremely difficult and to conquer the mountain everything must go perfectly. A tremendous amount of preparation and a little bit of luck is required to break and set records. Going to Pikes Peak will prove the fortitude that these four vehicles have.”
Notably, Hyundai said nothing of the specific cars that each driver will pilot. It does say that later this year it’ll reveal those chariots and the records that each driver seeks to set in the process. The race takes place on June 23.
